Oh dear...definatly behind schedule now. We came across the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands and not knowing quite what it was all about decided to stop. Well, it was a place not to be ignored and most of the morning and well into the afternoon was spent reading about the Maori history, walking around the grounds and watching a culture performance.
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| Woodcarver |
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| A giant Kauri tree stump |
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| Ceremonial War Canoes |
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| Treaty House and flag pole |
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| Meeting House |
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| Huka greeting |
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| A chief was chosen from the audience who then had to accept the gift thrown on the ground. |
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| Then came the culture performance |
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| our poor attempt at looking scary! |
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| The treaty |
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| Treaty House |
During our visit, we had a brilliant view of the Tall ship race. Not sure if the boats can all be claimed as tall ships but were very entertaining to see the start.
Having left well after 3 pm it was a mad dash to the west coast. First was a stop at the 'dump site'. All the vans have grey water holding tanks and the contents discharged only in designated areas. Not all the sites have this facility but along the tourist routes one can usually be found, Kawakawa being one of them. And blow me down if it was also the town where a steam train runs straight down the centre of the street! How lucky were we to be there just as it trundled past the dump site!
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| Wasn't quite quick enough with the camera |
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| Stopped at the station for a look |
An email by Sandra
(Are and Are) recommended a trip to Hokianga Harbour. A place called Opononi. Very glad we went as what a fabulous place and one where we decided to stay for the night.
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| Not a bad place to stay don't you think? |
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